Aberdeen Inspired have teamed up with Crowdfunder UK on the campaign Pay it Forward, to offer city centre businesses a platform to raise funds from customers and supporters, in exchange for services at a later date. Crowdfunder UK will cover all platform and transaction fees, meaning fundraising is 100% free for your business during the coronavirus crisis.
As COVID-19 spreads in the UK, and lockdown continues, many of our favourite businesses are unable to function in the way they usually would. This is a challenge as these businesses need a regular flow of cash to pay salaries or rent, for example. This new initiative allows the public to support their favourite local businesses and help ease the impact on cash flow.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired explained “This is another great initiative where Aberdeen Inspired is looking to support our city centre businesses at a time when we all know it is needed most. We are delighted to collaborate with the national Crowdfunder organisation and encourage our businesses in the heart of the city to sign up and of course for the public to get behind it”.
Local businesses have already signed up for the Pay it Forward Crowdfunder UK campaign, including:
Mechelle (the Big Cheese behind Melt Aberdeen) spoke to us about the scheme and said: “I found it really easy to put together, having done a few on other platforms previously. We set a reasonably small target and made it and more ! I find crowdfunding platforms to also be a great way to generate PR and raise your businesses profile exercise and in that respect the best part of it was the customer comments and seeing how invested customers are in us and our story. I would definitely recommend crowdfunding, even if you don’t make your target the investment of customers in you is invaluable. You’ve got nothing to lose!"
How does it work?
It’s simple. Businesses, who may be worried about their future due to COVID-19, can set-up a Crowdfunder Pay it Forward campaign offering customers the option to book meals, a room for the night or a ticket to an event now, based on a promise to deliver in the future.
Your business can fight back and you can generate advanced sales of goods and services to ease the immediate pressure by following the below 6 steps:
Step 1 – Get started at crowdfunder.co.uk/pay-it-forward
Step 2 – What makes your business special? Tell your story for your page
Step 3 – What can you pre-sell and deliver after the crisis? These are your rewards
Step 4 – Next add your payment details so that you can receive the money you need
Step 5 – Go live! Spread the word and rally your supporters behind your business
Step 6 – Tell other businesses about Crowdfunder